Above 1200 Sq/FT The Salvage Garage

[BBChevro]

I don’t even think I will attend the auction, just too easy to bid on this, then that...
.

I hear that there's some bloke selling a bunch of Listas, you might be able to score a great deal!!!

This is the area that has been cleared out over the last few days. Now I have to decide what else is going and what gets put back.

Very impressive result.

 

[Strouty]

The bins are to keep mice at bay, once I have a second conex, that will no longer be an issue. I agree that labeling them misc was almost as bad as not labeling them. This time I will be specific, so I really know what is in them.

 

[Strouty]

I am working on my projects list and it just occurred to me that I am a total idiot, I am also lying to myself, and creating more of an issue than needed. One of my projects is the forklift, there are four major things that need to be done:

1) Lights
2) Tires
3) Glass replacement
4) New longer forks

These have been prioritized according to my thought process. Well, the lights, I all ready bought them, just need to wire and attach new brackets, (notice I said just, like it was something easy). The tires, I all ready own them, but I need to buy new rims, I "didn't have enough money" to justify buying the rims, about $1,400. Well yesterday I bought $1,600 worth of a tool that I absolutely don't need right now and would never use as much as the forklift anyways. So when you wake up to that realization, what do you do?

I am not buying anything else for the entire month of October, I am not going to the auction. Those are my starting points.

Another member had posted about eBay sales, they said the only way they buy new tools or discretionary project parts was with money funded by eBay sales. I am shooting for that for the rest of the year.

I need to include approximate costs for projects as well as estimated timeframes, then I need to try and stick to that. I also want to have no more than three projects going at once, one big one, two smaller ones. I have no idea how well this will work for me as I am used to having dozens of projects that of course hardly ever get completed. I was all set to buy a few more tools to replace the ones I am selling at the auction, but now I am putting a stop to that, the only way I buy a tool is if it is going to be used ASAP and it will make me money or save me more time than the cost of the tool. I am going to come up with a process, so I don't get caught rationalizing, then feeling like a junkie the next day.

 

[Strouty]

The conex is a bit of a clusterf*ck, but I want to get to the point that I can use it for the intended purpose, not just as a catch all for random stuff.

I have emptied out several bins, I am finding several things that can be scraped, a bit of trash and of course many things that I don't even know what they are for. It is a bit slow going as I have to make space to keep like things together, once I have those spaces, it should be easier. The other trailer needs to be for things that are either in enclosed totes or are not susceptible to mice, while moving stuff in there I have found several signs of mice.

 

[Strouty]

Slowly moving forward, making a big mess outside the boxes, not 100% sure where all of it is going, but I am not putting it back in the boxes. The dumpster is essentially full, I really should have had it emptied this week, but I wasn't sure I was going to fill it. Live and learn. I have some ideas on reconfiguring things to make room for the important things, also started looking at what can go outside.

I am going to put several more things on the gooseneck trailer, then leave it hooked up to the 5 ton, this way I can move it to get anything off the trailer, then move it back when done. Looks like I will have plenty of space, so I may even put the sandblast cabinet on it, that puts it one step closer to either the shop or the door to the auction.

 

[Strouty]

I am jumping around a bit, been inside the shop clearing out some of the shelves in the stockroom. I wanted to use up the new red bins I bought, looks like I will need to get some more, they will allow much more to be stored in one place while keeping stuff separated. After I eat, I am headed back out to the conex, really need to pick up things outside of it so I don't have to worry if it rains tonight. Looks like most of the stuff could be curb alert material.

 

[Kev442]

Every once in a while the tetris game must be played. I hope it is not just to be able to squeeze more stuff in. I did the 2 must leave for one coming in game a couple years ago. It does not matter what leaves. Buy a $1600 tool, throw 2 scraps of wood away. As long as you gain space somewhere.

As for not buying a tool until you need it, well, thats kinda how about 90% of us do it....

 

[Strouty]

As for not buying a tool until you need it, well, thats kinda how about 90% of us do it....

I guess I mean need it again, I am selling a bunch of tools that are the only one I have, so now I will wait and buy them exactly when needed, instead of just replacing them. I usually don't buy a tool for no reason, except when it is a smoking deal or maybe the right color. Who am I kidding, I like to buy tools, I guess it could be worse, I could like drugs?

 

[Kev442]

Lol. I'm glad you backtracked, ye of 100 hammers.

 

[Strouty]

Yup, the more I thought about it, I realized I am a tool addict.

 

[Strouty]

Making some progress on the conex, hope to have the aisle completely free of stuff, also plan to keep it that way.

 

[-Brent-]

Stro, when's the last time you went to the hardware store?

 

[BoilermakerFan]

Stro, when's the last time you went to the hardware store?

I think he bought two hardware stores and moved them to his place.

 

[Strouty]

The sad thing is that I rarely have what I actually need. I am being vicious and getting rid of a lot of the hardware. I don’t think I will get all of it this round, but I have gone through almost every container, most of the time I am getting rid of the entire thing.






I am running out of daylight so it is about time to start picking up. Need another couple days of effort and things will be much better! I just hope my back holds up, some of those buckets have to be 100 pounds.

 

[-Brent-]

I think he bought two hardware stores and moved them to his place.

The sad thing is that I rarely have what I actually need.

It actually frustrates me when I have to go to the hardware store and I have 1% of the supply and storage. Still even with my small storage amount I have a twinge of hope that I'll have what I need.

I've got to get better at predictively stocking harware.

 

[BoilermakerFan]

It actually frustrates me when I have to go to the hardware store and I have 1% of the supply and storage. Still even with my small storage amount I have a twinge of hope that I'll have what I need.

I've got to get better at predictively stocking hardware.

I quit trying to keep hardware on hand...

Now I just buy what I need for the project at hand and try to minimize over buying. The only exception is I buy the really nice Torx wood screws from Lowes in the 5lb tubs because it's like 60% cheaper that way and I use those all the time. I also keep a small assortment of SS bolts, washers, and nuts.

And I took apart a lot of Sauder office furniture and kept the cool little particle board washer head screws, 90deg brackets, and the drawer guides. I'm using the drawer guides on my new workbench and the brackets on my new bookshelves. Those little washer head screws come in handy all the time.

I gave away pounds of drywall screws, Phillips wood screws, zinc plated hardware, and a lot of remaining electrical stuff years ago.


Keep up the great work Strouty! You're keeping me motivated!

I emptied two more 18Gal totes last night. I sorted through them and only kept what I needed for a little electrical panel project with one of my VFDs. And if it didn't fit inside the panel to be stored, it was chucked. I have about 6 more 18Gal totes and 2 12Gal totes to go.

 

[Strouty]

The hardware that I stock the most of is 3/8" and 1/2", it gets used on my tower projects all the time. I have lots of stainless 3/8" hardware, I end up using that for lots of other projects. My second largest supply is 1/4" hardware, then I have miscellaneous metric and lots of used specialty automotive hardware. The rest of the stuff is either electrical or some project supplies or something that I kept because it was cool or looked expensive. There is lots of unknowns in them thar drawers.............




I got everything picked up, got all the buckets loaded up, got the remaining empty containers covered and I am about to go out and grab the last little bit of recycling and other do das. My back feels like I just picked up a bunch of heavy 5 gallon buckets, not sure why?

 

[Strouty]

It was kind of sad to see all that hardware go, but I am 1660 pounds lighter and $79.30 richer.

It is raining a bit, but should clear up after lunch. I want to try and get another load ready to go to the scrap yard on Monday. At least the next load should be more valuable, I am going to be bringing wire, copper, and aluminum, with some batteries as well.

This morning I am going to work on the stockroom a bit more, I was pretty motivated yesterday, I want to build on that.

 

[Strouty]

It sure will be nice once the new stockroom is setup, then I can sort things the right way, I have drawers of similar items, separated by drawers of something else. I don't think it is worth the time and effort to get the stuff sorted perfectly, I will save that for the final move. I am labeling things so I know what I have put where, some labels are a bit generalized, but that is OK for now.

 

[cbacres]

Good job Strouty. i agree it's sad to see that stuff go, hot dipped galv brackets and all, but what do you do with it? Those I might use it someday just don't show up.
Keep up the progress, you're inspiring me!

 

[Strouty]

Thanks CB, I think we all enable.....I mean inspire each other. Will upload some more pictures today. I almost have another shelving unit emptied in the stockroom. Rain is slowing down, so I will head back out to the conex for a change of scenery soon. I have a plan to make an entire area just for electrical supplies, then I can take everything from all the boxes and the stockroom to one area. I don't do electrical work that often, but when I need something, it is nice to have it available.

As for the scrap I took away, almost all of it would be usable, just a matter of time, but some of it has been moved so many times, I just thought that I should end the insanity. I have some things to bring to my Dad's storage as he will want them, then there is a bit more sorting and the conex should be clean enough to live with for the winter.

 

[Strouty]

Taking a break, I almost think I am getting a cold. Thought it was allergies this morning, but nothing has helped. I have been working nonstop this week, maybe I over did it? Anyways, almost done labelling one of the lista cabinets, I consolidated two drawers into one to gain some space. I think I will label all the drawers in all the cabinets, should only take an hour or so. It will give me a good chance to see what is in there and decide if anything should just go away. I am really kicking myself for not having the dumpster emptied, it would make this so much easier. Now I have to wait until Thursday to have it done. I guess the only good thing is that the trash is not perishable **** that will stink, so I will just put it out by the side of the shop for now.

I made an entire drawer for my little projects, it allowed me to take some things out of the office as well as off many different shelves. Now when I get bored, I can look in there and find something to do!

 

[Strouty]

So much for an hour, still working on it, been moving some of the stuff around to make it fit better. Also tossing trash as I go. Taking a lunch break, then back to it. I have another week before things really start to pick up again, then it will be SST (Sporadic Shop Time), so I am trying to make the most out of it. Main goal (I know I shouldn't tell you) is to get the yard ready for winter and get the shop so I can drive a vehicle in and work on it. I think I can manage to get both done or at least really close. Some stuff may have to wait a bit, like the bulky steel I want to scrap, I am going to wait to borrow my Brother's truck for that. Also have to deal with my friend and his car collection sitting in my yard. Also have a burn pile to deal with, but that won't be too hard, even after it snows, just need to make the space.

 

[Strouty]

I am starting to have some insight while going through all this stuff. If I look at what I use on a semi regular basis, or what I would need to fix something in the shop, it appears that I don't touch the majority of the electrical supplies. I do raid them occasionally for a facility type project, but I definitely don't need them inside the shop. The conex will have plenty of room to store all the wire and the electrical supplies. I feel that leaving all the 12 volt electrical supplies inside the shop makes sense, also any of the three phase supplies, and any plugs/outlets for equipment (I do use those semi frequently).

The conex was originally purchased to house all the tower supplies, at this point, about one third of the conex is used for that purpose. So I can expand that to electrical supplies and wire easily. I also think that I should store all my concrete/foundation tools in there as well.

I still have the office trailer for woodworking supplies and the moving van trailer can handle miscellaneous stuff for now. The other storage boxes have a mix of things and I am not ready to dive into those yet. I don't want to make more work for myself, but I feel like it may be worth the effort of really going through everything in the shop, this also scares the **** out of me. At this point I don't have anything to lose, even though it feels a bit like I am cutting off my fingers one at a time.

 

[Strouty]

I took some pictures from my storage area above the office, it is always funny looking at things from a different perspective. I feel less stressed having come up with a general direction and course of action. Tomorrow will only be a partial day, but next week is essentially dedicated to cleaning, organizing, and labeling.

 

[Kev442]

That photo makes me glad I pissed and moaned about the metal storage rack that created an artificial barrier. It looks like a shop now.

Now about that gigantic drill press...

 

[Strouty]

I am going to make that thing run. It may be tall, but it really isn't that big.

I have not tried to move it with the new forklift, but I think it is too heavy without adding a counterweight. That is another project I forgot about, must add that to the list.

About to head home, things are a bit scrambled, but if I can get a few more hours tomorrow, I think it will start looking better.

 

[Thumper68]

I am going to make that thing run. It may be tall, but it really isn't that big.

I have not tried to move it with the new forklift, but I think it is too heavy without adding a counterweight. That is another project I forgot about, must add that to the list.

About to head home, things are a bit scrambled, but if I can get a few more hours tomorrow, I think it will start looking better.

One question?

What do you need a 4 spindle drill press for?

Honestly you don't need it at all other than to say hey I have this real cool 4 spindle drill press. Sell it!! and get your mill running that will do a far better job drilling precise holes and also function as a mill which will come in way more useful.

Sorry for the tough love but I have a real nice Clausing production drill press I can't wait to find a new home for, it's cool and drills great holes but the mill is way more useful to me.

 

[Strouty]

I agree with what you are saying, I just can't "hear" it yet. One step at a time, either way I need to get it running, it isn't worth much more than scrap if I don't get it drilling. I still have a couple motors to convert to 220, then I may have to change out the starters, I am going to change the heaters first and see if it will run. Then if I decide to keep it, I will change the starters to the proper size.

 

[Thumper68]

I feel ya, I had my 75 GMC K20 sitting here for 17 years waiting for me to get to it, then the 99 3/4 ton Suburban sat for 3 years waiting for me to pull the engine, transmission and rear axle and install it in the 75, this spring I finally had enough and the 75 went to a square body collector and the Suburban whet to the scrap yard along with 2 other vehicles. It hurt to send the projects away, the 75 which was my first real truck I bought with my own money was terrible.

Now I am down to the 95 GMC K2500 with the 6.5, the only vehicle I ever bought new for myself is sitting out there, I'm not quit ready for it to go yet.

 

[Strouty]

I spent some time digging through my older pictures and it seems that this is all cyclical, I clean up a mess, make another mess, clean up a mess, make another one. I need to break the cycle. I don't want to be talking about my mess in two years. I want to be talking about the projects I am working on in my well organized shop. Here are some older pictures:

 

[Strouty]

I feel ya, I had my 75 GMC K20 sitting here for 17 years waiting for me to get to it, then the 99 3/4 ton Suburban sat for 3 years waiting for me to pull the engine, transmission and rear axle and install it in the 75, this spring I finally had enough and the 75 went to a square body collector and the Suburban whet to the scrap yard along with 2 other vehicles. It hurt to send the projects away, the 75 which was my first real truck I bought with my own money was terrible.

Now I am down to the 95 GMC K2500 with the 6.5, the only vehicle I ever bought new for myself is sitting out there, I'm not quit ready for it to go yet.

As you know I have a soft spot for 6.5 diesels. At least when I look through the pictures things do seem to get better with each rendition of the shop mess. I lost a lot of pictures when I had my photobucket issues and that really *****. Those would be really nice to see now as I had much more detailed pictures.

Now I have to go, my GF was vacuuming out the heater vents at home, she tripped and put her foot through the duct. In the process she cut her leg, so her mom is taking her to the hospital. It is more precautionary than anything, she is on blood thinners.

 

[PelicanPines]

Based on those old pictures... you need a professional organizer who owns a series of label makers... and a dumpster subscription... just one is not enough.

EDIT... missed the part about the GF... take care of her...

 

[Thumper68]

Geeze I hope she is okay, my father was on blood thinners nothing to joke about!!

You've come a long way, with each iteration things get better!!

 

[Bob Heine]

At this point I don't have anything to lose, even though it feels a bit like I am cutting off my fingers one at a time.

Strouty, trust me, you can get along fine with just five.

You've come a long way and it's looking better all the time.

 

[Strouty]

GF is fine, she will have a nice scar from it, it wasn’t terribly deep and it stopped bleeding on its own, she has also had a tetanus shot in the last two years. I spent about 30 minutes putting the duct work back together.

 

[Strouty]

Pines, those pictures are from a long time ago. Not that it isn’t still a problem, I do feel like it has gotten better, just very slowly.

 

[PelicanPines]

Those old pictures made me very nervous...

Need to get a picture of my wife's new wound... before it heals and vanishes. She had a bit of skin cancer removed on her temple ... looks like a question mark... she is gonna say i tried to do her in... but I'm a lousy shot. I'm gonna say... it's where she got hit by lightning. ... or lobotomy

 

[Strouty]

Yeah, those old ones made me nervous too.

I had some thoughts last night, a few were even good ones. My office has two doors, I never use one, I am thinking that I should make a closet out of the second door area. It has an overhang from the loft above, so it would be a matter of seeing what works dimensionally. I have been saying this for years, I really need to work with sketch up to layout my shop.

 

[Strouty]

I measured the other end of the office, minimal modification will allow for the perfect sized closet for storage. The best part is that in the future, I plan on having the office become the break/lunch room and the closet will work well for that too. for once I have found a project that doesn't make me feel like I am going backwards (or only temporarily forward). It is a two person job, but if I prep everything I think it can be done fairly quickly with two people. Don't worry, I am still working on the mess first, but it will be a great project for the future.